News Broadcasting
BBC acting DG Byford stresses need for maintaining independence in functioning
MUMBAI: BBC’s acting DG Mark Byford committed himself to defending the BBC’s independence, which he described as “non-negotiable”.He recently delivered a lecture to the foreign press association at Gladstone.
He also outlined the BBC’s proposals for Charter Review. Citing a broad range of examples like Panorama’s recent Saddam on the Run special Byford argued that BBC journalism had not lost its bite. “The idea that I or anyone else in the BBC would do anything to undermine the integrity of our journalism is utter nonsense. Anyone who believes otherwise doesn’t understand the BBC and certainly doesn’t know me. We remain totally committed to delivering reliable news; expert analysis, intelligent debate and courageous, ground-breaking original journalism.
Byford added that the BBC’s international broadcasting services could strengthen connections with global audiences. “We can start the global conversation which can be an antidote to ignorance, hostility and hatred. That antidote is based on a belief in openness, tolerance and mutual understanding”. By building on strong foundations internationally the BBC would be more, rather than less, significant in the future Byford argued.
On the Charter Review, building the public value of the BBC’s television, radio and interactive services would be a cornerstone of the BBC’s approach Byford said. “Consolidation and competition in commercial broadcasting increasingly emphasises the private value of broadcasting. The BBC’s role must be to focus on delivering the public value of broadcasting – something everyone can share in.
“By public value I mean the difference we can make to the quality of life in the UK through what we can deliver to people as individual consumers of our services but also as citizens. In other words, our contribution to society as a whole.”
News Broadcasting
News18 hosts Tamil Nadu town hall ahead of 2026 polls
MK Stalin headlines ‘Next Big Leap’ event from 10am on 23 February in Chennai with leaders and icons.
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s political pot is simmering and News18’s town hall is stirring it up just in time for the 2026 assembly elections boilover. Set for 23 February from 10am onwards in Chennai, the News18 Network Town Hall gathers heavyweights under the banner ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu’ to dissect the state’s political pulse, economic edge, and cultural clout. With the 234-seat assembly contest looming as a fiercely competitive showdown, the event spotlights how Tamil Nadu’s identity-driven politics and engaged voters continue to ripple across national debates.
Chief minister MK Stalin leads the charge with a keynote on the theme, sketching his government’s blueprint for governance, development, and staying power pre-polls. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chimes in on ‘Voices, Vision & Way Forward’, unpacking generational shifts and fresh narratives. From the opposition corner, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami tackles ‘Baton Change at the Ballot?’, floating alternatives to the status quo.
Economic vibes get a nudge from industries minister TRB Rajaa on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, probing the state’s draw for big bucks. BJP’s K Annamalai dives into ‘People, Trust & Political Ideology’, positioning his party in the Dravidian-dominated turf. IT Minister Palanivel ThiagaRajan explores ‘Code, Capacity & Citizenship’, on tech’s role in citizen-focused services. TVK’s KG Arunraj questions if ‘Winds of Change are Possible’ in this pattern-prone state.
A panel on innovation features IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti, M&M’s Velusamy R, and Electronic Industries Association’s Dr Sasikumar Gendham, musing how AI and knowledge hubs are remaking opportunities. Culture gets its due with composer Anirudh Ravichander on ‘Tamil Music for the World’.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar noted, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall… reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth.”
Network18, CEO of English & business news Smriti Mehra added, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment… we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations.”
Network18 managing editor for South, Vivek Narayan said, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect.”
Backed by associate partners Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries, the live event streams on CNN-News18, News18 Tamil, CTV, and Youtube from 10am on 23 February perfect for catching the sparks, even if you’re not knee-deep in Dravidian drama.
